barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass (genus Hordeum and especially H. vulgare) having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns and three spikelets at each joint of the rachis

also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, breakfast foods, and stock feeds

Examples of barley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gluten allergies and sensitivities, which are caused by an intolerance to a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, cause symptoms like painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloating, and headaches that can last for days, if not weeks. —Elliott Harrell, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026

The tortoiseshell palette is deconstructed in this look, which features a blend of full torties, chocolate brown tips, and barley there caramel auras. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026

The bins — often containing wheat, oats or barley — also bring additional risks because grain dust accumulation can contribute to fire hazards, spoiled grain can expose workers to potentially toxic substances and falling into the grain can quickly swallow and suffocate a person. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026

Avoid grains with gluten, like freekeh and barley. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barly, from Old English bærlic of barley; akin to Old English bere barley, Latin far spelt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing barley

• barley-bree
• barley-broo
• barley sugar
• barley wine

Rhymes for barley

• charley
• charlie
• marly
• bizarrely

Kids Definition

barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass with flowers in dense spikes

also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, in foods (as soups and cereals), or as feed for livestock

Medical Definition

barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass (genus Hordeum, especially H. vulgare) having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns

also : its seed used in malt beverages and in breakfast foods and stock feeds